This is my entry for the
On the Job 2023 Challenge
. Special thanks to my brother for editing this story and making it a better, more enjoyable read. He finally gets to put that English degree to good use.
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At precisely 7:30 AM, Travis Krieger strode briskly across his lobby. Though he owned neither the building nor the company headquartered therein, he was the head of security and felt immensely protective of both his people and his building. Especially his pristine lobby, the entryway to his domain. After four years of ROTC and a further eight years of active duty, Captain Krieger (ret.) prized routine and orderliness above most things.
Recruited by GDS Enterprises while processing out of the army, Travis swiftly professionalized and organized the company's security operations. Within nine months, he had increased staff, improved technology, and instituted protocols designed to protect his building, and his people, from any reasonably foreseeable threat, and several unlikely ones as well.
Sitting at his desk, his practiced eye swept over the bank of security cameras, confirming that nothing was out of place. He then read through his night manager's report from the previous evening, as usual. Seeing nothing amiss, Travis stood, straightened his maroon blazer, and began his customary morning inspection of his building.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Goddamned superheroes!" Travis growled. The damage to his once-beautiful lobby offended his sensibilities. The thirty-three-year-old security chief stalked across the field of melted glass and frozen concrete shards. "Where the hell is that construction crew?" he shouted, drawing blank stares from the dazed employees wandering aimlessly through the debris.
"Over here, ya big ape," a gruff voice shouted from a back hallway. "Keep your fucking shirt on! We're doing the best we can."
"Lou!" Travis shouted, relief softening his features. "Thank God you guys are here! It's a fucking mess," he continued, gesticulating wildly at the wreckage. "A couple of asshole super-freaks decided to fight it out in front of the building," he exclaimed, temper flaring again. "Some fucking ice-shooting asshole got beat down by a fire-shooting asshole, and I'm left with a wrecked lobby," he fumed. "Again!"
Lou quickly assessed the carnage with experienced eyes. Turning towards the growing crowd of jumpsuit-clad construction workers, Lou started calling out assignments. The lobby swiftly transformed into a bustling hive of organized activity as the crews got to work removing the detritus.
Nodding in satisfaction at the workers' efforts, Lou turned back to Travis and quipped, "At least you guys don't have to pay for the repairs these days."
"Just because the Feds are paying for the repairs doesn't mean we aren't losing business every time my building gets damaged by those goddamned superheroes," he responded.
"Hey now," Lou joked, "sometimes your building gets damaged by supervillains too." With a final smirk, Lou set off across the lobby again, shouting out additional instructions to the laboring workers.
Taking a moment to admire the sight, Travis muttered under his breath, "Finest ass I've ever seen on a construction worker, that's for sure." Shaking his head again, Travis returned to his office to begin the mountain of paperwork. It was a pain, but the effort was worth it to make sure that Lou's work was promptly covered by the government's Superhero Hazard Indemnification Taskforce.
* * * * * * * * * *
Travis strode confidently out of the elevator, clutching his notes on the latest incident. He approached the imposing glass and steel reception desk manned by the equally imposing Harleen Quinzel. "Travis Holmes to see the boss, Ms. Quinzel." She glared imperiously at him for a moment, before picking up the phone to announce his presence.
Seeing her nod, he grinned and said, "Thanks," before passing her desk and entering the Board Room.
Standing before the leadership of GDS Enterprises, Travis took a deep breath, collected his thoughts, and began his briefing. "Overall, we were not damaged too severely this time. Our building was only struck in passing as this supervillain was blown down the street. His acid spray damaged 15 windows, including frames, our window-washing rig, and one A/C unit. We also need to replace some sections of the roof, but the construction crew is confident that it can be patched."
"Who is handling the repairs this time?" asked Pamela Isley, GDS' sultry redheaded founder and CEO.
"Lou Smith, from Smith Family Construction, ma'am," replied Travis. "We've worked with them in the past and we have always been satisfied with the speed and quality of their work. Lou stepped up as Smith's lead foreman three years ago when Bobby took over after their dad died. They've got a top-notch crew and have moved this project to the front of the line."
"Have you sent my office all of the necessary paperwork for Federal coverage?" inquired GDS' uptight and pedantic attorney.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Dent," he answered. "I was told that it should be reviewed and approved by the end of the day. Once it is, I'll get everything sent over to the Taskforce, as well as a copy for Lou's records."
"Excellent," purred the CEO. "Thank you for the timely and efficient briefing, as always, Travis. I'm quite pleased we were able to snap you up once you were discharged. Please let your team know that their hard work is appreciated and will not be forgotten at bonus time."